“The Black Candle” is the first feature-length movie to tell the story of Kwanzaa.
Narrated by poet Maya Angelou and directed by 26-year-old Baltimore author and filmmaker M.K. Asante Jr., the film traces Kwanzaa’s growth from the black power movement of the 1960s to Paris, Sengal, Jamaica, New Orleans and other parts around the world, where over 40 million people celebrate Kwanzaa.
“More than a film about a holiday, this is the celebration of a people,” Angelou has said about the film, showing today at the Druid Heights Community Center.
» When: 6 p.m. Friday
» Where: Druid Heights Community Center, 2140 McCulloh St., Baltimore
» Info: 410-523-1350, www.druidheights.com www.theblackcandle.com
” ‘The Black Candle’ explores the African-American experience through the prism of Kwanzaa,” said Asante, a Morgan State University professor. “The film started with my belief that you make an observation, you have an obligation. I made an observation that there was no film on Kwanzaa or a celebration of the African-American experience. And so I decided it was my obligation to make this.”
Angelou, political rapper Chuck D. and Kwanzaa founder Dr. Maulana Karenga offer their insights during interviews in “The Black Candle.”
“People’s responses to the film have been overwhelmingly positive,” Asante Jr. said. “Not just from African-American people. White people, Asian people, Latino people have all told me the film inspires and encourages them. We’re in a new phase in the history of this country. There’s a greater receptiveness to understand and accept different cultural experiences. This film is a part of that movement.”
Behind Kwanzaa’s powerful message is an even greater story of how the founder of Kwanzaa, Maryland native Karenga, formerly Ronald McKinley Everett, overcame his ugly past, including convictions of felony assault and false imprisonment.
Since serving prison time, Karenga has flourished as an activist, author and black studies professor at California State University, Long Beach. He’s united millions of blacks around the world, who gather for Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits” in Swahili, an African language.
Karenga, 67, modeled Kwanzaa, a seven-day celebration from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, after African harvest celebrations and the collective values of African cultures.
The seven principles of Kwanzaa
» Unity
» Self-determination
» Collective work and responsibility
» Cooperative economics
» Purpose
» Creativity
» Faith
